Martin Wickens

Day 33 of 90 – Just over a month ago I began a Bible reading plan that will take me through the Bible in 90 days. Most Bible reading plans I have used have gone through the Bible in a year. Sometimes I have finished the plans, other times I struggled to keep up and on occasion I have stopped and started over again.

Probably the most challenging plan I attempted required reading from 10 portions of Scripture a day. The Bible in 90 days covers around 10-15 chapters a day depending on the length of chapters. For example, the last couple of days have been in 1 and 2 Chronicles and most days I am reading 13-15 chapters.

Here are some thoughts on the plan so far:

1. I would not use this plan often – There are benefits, but much of the detail is lost because of the large amounts of text to cover. I don’t think for most people this plan would be healthy on a consistent basis.
2. I would recommend this plan – I think nearly everyone would benefit from reading the whole of the Bible in a short space of time. It is not for everyone, I understand that. It is too easy to disconnect Solomon from Stephen and forget that the Bible has a continuous thread running through every page from beginning to end. However, if you are able, I think dedicating serious amounts of time to Bible reading over a 3 month time period is not too much to ask. Every study I have seen reveals the insane amount of TV people watch. Maybe, just maybe, turn the TV off, exercise less, socialize not quite so much, hold off the decorating, don’t iron your clothes, maybe there is some way you can save some time in order to read the Bible more?
3. Get Creative – our quiet time in the Word should be that, and I believe it should be focused as much as possible. However, with this plan, I am being a bit more creative. I am listening to Scripture as I drive and have even read the Bible on my phone as I’ve walked through town. And before you judge me too harshly check out Deuteronomy 6:7.
4. Major themes, not detail – as I’ve already mentioned, when reading large portions of the Bible day after day some of the detail will be missed by most (certainly by me). But what is revealed are major themes, repeated words, story arcs and other observations more easily scene with a bird’s eye view. Starting with a Judge over Israel, seeing a transition with Samuel, witnessing the coronation of Saul, a dynasty change to David, the kingdom established and then divided and finally entering exile in a little over a week is quite the journey.
5. A story, not just a text – I believe we should study the Bible. We should analyze words and events, we should seek the truth in the passage. However, I think sometimes we, I, lose sight of God’s chosen method of communication – stories. The Bible is not a textbook, it is not a technical manual or a Idiots Guide to the Universe. The majority of the Bible contains stories of real people, men and women of “like passions” as Jame’s puts it. I am finding as I read big portions of the Bible in one sitting I am seeing more of the story line, the unfolding of God’s revelation of Himself and His plan and despite not getting as much detail, I think I am seeing more of humanity.

Anyway, I just wanted to share a few thoughts. There are many ways to read through the Bible, the most important thing is that we do read the Bible, with eyes of faith, and hearts ready to obey.